Chicago – Danish drugmaker H. Lundbeck A/S has told advisers it is looking at a possible acquisition of local biotech Xeris Biopharma, according to Bloomberg News. The move comes as Lundbeck seeks to broaden its portfolio beyond its core psychiatric and neurological products.
Company backgrounds
Lundbeck, headquartered in Copenhagen, focuses on therapies for depression, psychosis, migraine and epilepsy. Its best‑known products include the antipsychotic pill Rexulti and the migraine‑preventing infusion Vyepti. The firm recently reported stronger‑than‑expected second‑quarter sales and said it does not anticipate a slowdown in demand for its growth drugs.
Xeris Biopharma, based in Chicago, specializes in endocrine and rare neuromuscular disorders. It currently markets three FDA‑approved drugs: Recorlev, a cortisol‑lowering therapy for adults with Cushing’s syndrome; Gvoke, a rescue treatment for severe hypoglycemia; and Keveyis, a therapy for a rare neuromuscular condition. In August, Xeris disclosed second‑quarter revenue of $91 million, driven by robust demand for Recorlev. The company’s market capitalization stood at $1.79 billion at the close of trading.
Potential strategic fit
Analysts note that Lundbeck’s interest could provide Xeris with greater global reach and resources for research and development, while giving Lundbeck a foothold in the endocrine market—a segment outside its traditional focus. The combination could also create synergies in manufacturing and distribution, potentially accelerating the rollout of Xeris’s niche therapies.
Both companies have declined to comment directly to Reuters, and Lundbeck has not confirmed the status of any formal offer. The discussions are reportedly at an early stage, with Lundbeck working with financial advisers to evaluate the transaction.
Industry context
The pharmaceutical sector has seen a wave of consolidation as firms seek to diversify pipelines and offset the high cost of drug development. Recent months have featured several high‑profile deals, including large‑scale mergers in oncology and rare‑disease spaces. Lundbeck’s potential move aligns with this broader trend of mid‑size companies expanding through strategic acquisitions.
For Chicago’s biotech community, a partnership with a European leader like Lundbeck could bring additional investment and validation to the region’s growing life‑science ecosystem. The city has positioned itself as a hub for innovative health‑tech firms, and a successful deal could further cement that reputation.
Next steps
While no timeline has been set, industry watchers expect that any definitive agreement would require regulatory clearance and shareholder approval. If the acquisition proceeds, Lundbeck would likely integrate Xeris’s products into its global sales network, potentially expanding access to Recorlev and the other therapies beyond the United States.
Stakeholders, including patients, investors, and local economic development officials, will be monitoring the situation closely as the talks develop.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
